Sponges: an historical survey of their knowledge in Greek antiquity
In: Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. Cambridge University Press/Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom: Cambridge. ISSN 0025-3154; e-ISSN 1469-7769, more
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| Abstract |
A detailed account of sponge knowledge in Greek antiquity is given on the basis of their records in the written documents of the historical periods it comprises. The analysis of the examined material revealed interesting information on various aspects of sponge biology, more or less consistent with their present scientific knowledge. The value of sponges for man at that time was evident in many of his activities, such as household, personal hygiene, pain relief, disease treatment, art and war enterprises. The significant role of sponges in medical practice is illustrated by the high number of their records in the medical works of the studied historical period. Furthermore, sponges appeared in legends, as well as in similes and metaphors that attributed their special qualities to human behaviour, various body parts or objects. |
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